Ni-coated Si electrodes for water splitting

http://news.stanford.edu/news/2013/november/nickel-water-splitter-111213.html

Thin film (~2 nm) Ni coated on Si electrode to prevent Si corrosion when splitting water.  Good performance over 3 days without corrosion.  Li-ion addition to electrolyte solution (instead or in addition (?) to KBO3) increases stability of the electrodes.

Singlet fission for efficient solar cells

http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/two-for-one-in-solar-power

Singlet fission to split singlet excited electron into two triplet excited states.  Phenomenon seen in organic molecules at high concentrations (more molecular collisions).

"The team used a combination of laser experiments - which measure timings with extreme accuracy - with chemical methods used to study reaction mechanisms. This dual approach allowed the researchers to slow down fission and observe a key intermediate step never before seen."

Probably refers to the use of ultrafast spectroscopy to measure transient absorption and emission...

Confidant

Little Tom and Tea Mauw were so kind to listen to my little issue and help me reason through it.
Tomorrow is Tea Mauw cake day so we stuffed ourselves with food today and could have literally rolled down the streets.

Friends advice.

Last week, my friend Honorable Tom was nice to listen to me and give advice about certain matter.
Same with Tea Mauw. This woman is crazy.

I should definitely send a little something for Honorable Tom as an appreciation.

Shantal's Christmas Present

A girly winter hat, Naruto-themed paper wrapped sketch book, a Naruto card, and a handcrafted letter with Naruto stickers.  Good times.

Gifts from Dr. M

A black dress with white cardigan from Romy.  Clothes for graduate visitation.

Dr. M and Tea Mauw came to shop for graduate interview clothes.  Nice pants, shirt and suit should last for a long time and for any occasions.

New research colleague

Wednesday, January 16, 2013:
Today is J. Keller's introduction day to Dr. M's lab.  Dr. M went through the safety protocols and general lab etiquette.  I talked to J. a bit about my project and showed her a few procedures/techniques from my work.  I hope it was entertaining.